New ldeas for Home Builderc

The nation's home builders are stocking up on fresh ideas for the homes they'll build in 1953. Their source of supply is the Annual Convention & Exposition of the National Association of Home Builders in Chicago rvhere virtually every new and improved home product rvas on display.

A tour of the gigantic exposition of building materials and home equipment in the Conrad Hilton Hotel uncovered an avalanche of ideas designed to satisfy every need, taste and pocketbook of builders and prospective home buyers alike.

Here are just a few of the scores of interesting developments presented by the nearly 250 major manufacturers whose products were displayed.

Starting at the bottom-new floor coverings are much in evidence. One all-purpose tile, available in a variety of colors and patterns, can be installed without the use of adhesives or tools of any kind. An outstanding feature of this tile is that it can be taken up-moved from room to room or to another home, thus making it a permanent investment. Suitable for installation in any room of the home, it can even be used in below-grade areas rvhere moisture is excessive.

For installation directly over 'concrete subfloors, there is a nerv hardwood oak flooring which requires no membrane-waterproofing betrveen the.slab and floor. For added convenience, it is pre-finished at the factory.

A new plastic floor tile has a finish that simulates natural oak parquet flooring.

For dressing up the outside of the home, there is an asbestos-cement material for exterior siding. It comes in large sheets with an attractive random-ribbed pattern in a variety of colors. For either interior or exterior application, there is a new plastic-faced plywood that is engineered for painting. The material can be bent, thus adding to its utility.

For unusual decorating effects, a paint manufacturer shorved the nearest thing to polka dot paint yet developed.A single coat, applied with a spray gun, can achieve a practically unlimited variety of multi-colored patterns on interior rvalls.

TV is in the picture, too, in the form of special lead-in flush sockets for use in new construction. The pacftage includes flush socket, face plate, mating plug and hardware for mounting the socket in any type rvall. A new weatherproof lead-in bushing is especially designed for UHF cable. Use of the special fixtures is said to improve TV reception. fContinrred on Page .42)

A dozen pre-fabricated home manufacturers shorved their latest home designs. The nerv designs represent a fresh approach to this type home and are indistinguishable from conventionally built homes. Prefabs are available with a host of modern features, including completely equipped kitchens and laundrv rooms, picture windows, expandable rooms, and even air conditioning. Trvo prefab manufacturers erected full size homes adjacent to the Conrad Hilton Hotel, the convention headquarters.

Giving a ne\r' slant to the prefab picture is a manufacturer s'ho s'ill furnish prebuilt sections for any house plan.

Colored plumbing fixtures are being popularized to such an extent that they are being used even in low cost homes. Several manufacturers shorved lines of attractively cotored fixtures especially designed for economy class homes.

Also for the bathroom, one manufacturer has developed a nel\' srveatless rvatelcloset tank. Another is showing a silent flush valve for rvater closets. More on the glamour side is a new streamlined bathroom cabinet rvith twin sliding mirrored doors, and a nerv combination vanity, lavatory, medicine cabinet and linen closet. For a new look in bathroom walls, there is a metal tile that comes in jumbo size 8-l inch squares.

Builders have a rvide selection of nerv rvindow types and materials from rvhich to choose. Aluminum rvindorvs are gaining fast in popularity. Horizontal designs, in both casement and sliding types, lvere on display. Sliding windorvs that cover an entire s'all from floor to ceiling are available. Nearlv every rvindorr manufacturer has incorporatid nerv features to improve insulating qualities, permit faster installation and make maintenance easier. Removable sections and fingertip ventilation control are other features being stressed. Arvning type rvindos's, louvered rvindorrs and jalousies are making a strong bid for nations'ide popularity.